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PODCAST

Public Works Podcast

Joseph Blackman

Where you come to hear new innovative ideas in the Public Works arena. Stories, trials and tribulations and more. We highlight those who are working behind-the-scenes to keep our communities in motion.

government

All Episodes

48:36

Mike Wagar: Operations Supervisor @ Bay Area Water...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Mike Wagar, Operations Supervisor at Bay Area Water Treatment Plant, shared insights into the plant's operations, staff responsibilities, and challenges, including the unique 12-hour shift schedule, difficulties in hiring and training, and handling chemical non-compliance. Mike Wagar also detailed his daily responsibilities as a supervisor, emphasizing the importance of patience and people skills, and discussed the plant's continuous improvement efforts, public transparency, and future concerns

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48:14

Daniel Parish: AWWA Chair of the Workforce Strategies...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Daniel shared his career journey and insights on leadership, professional development, and addressing workforce challenges in the water industry. Daniel Parish emphasized the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and involvement in organizations like AWWA to advance careers and build a stronger workforce. The discussion also covered strategies for knowledge transfer through video and AI chatbots like PDUB, and community outreach to attract new talent and promote the water industry's image

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50:11

Matthew Junker: Public Relations Specialist @...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Matthew Junker, the Public Relations Specialist at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, outlined his role in communicating with the public and elected officials, administering the website, monitoring legislation, and volunteering with associations to keep superiors informed. Matthew emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner, an effective listener, and engaging in proactive outreach, while also highlighting his career progression and the stability of the water industry. Matthew

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45:56

Austin Meyermann: President of Hunter Crown

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/18

Austin is the President of Hunter Crown. We ctalked about his executive search firm focused on the water and wastewater industry, his entrepreneurial journey, and perspectives on hiring practices. Austin Meyermann discussed various aspects of recruiting, including the limitations of job boards, generational differences, challenges with HR software, advice for job seekers and companies, and the importance of networking. Austin Meyermann also touched upon topics like industry conferences, triggers for

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57:54

Public Works Fleet episode with Bradley Northup and...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Bradley Northup and Shane Silsby joined Joseph Blackman on the public works podcast to discuss government fleet management, highlighting the importance of fleet modernization strategies driven by data and legislation. Bradley Northup detailed their career path in fleet, the benefits of professional associations, and the specifics of an Acquisitions Fleet Manager role, while Shane Silsby emphasized long-term cost savings and safety improvements from fleet modernization. They also explored the

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43:00

Sabrina Sims: Water Systems Manager @ City of McCall,...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Sabrina Sims, the Water Systems Manager for the City of McCall, Idaho, shared insights into her role, which encompasses water treatment, distribution, and a portion of utility billing, all unified under a "productions and operations" team approach. She discussed McCall's unique water usage challenges as a resort town, with dramatic seasonal variations, and the difficulties in staffing due to the community's rapid growth and high cost of living. Sabrina emphasized her passion for water, developed

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40:45

Robert French: Operations Manager for the Capital...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Robert French, the Operations Manager for the Capital and Maintenance Division in Elk Grove, who discussed his responsibilities managing capital improvement projects, ADA enhancements, and smaller maintenance tasks, emphasizing their in-house approach to project management and the city's growth. Robert French shared his career path in public works, his move to Elk Grove for long-term maintenance planning, and his insights on effective operations management, including staff development, project

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31:07

Jeff Taylor: SCADA System Supervisor @ City of...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/07/07

Jeff Taylor, SCADA System Supervisor for the City of Riverside's regional water quality control plant, to understand his role, daily responsibilities, and career path. Jeff Taylor described his work as maintaining the automation system of the wastewater plant, which includes servers, PLCs, communication infrastructure, and various devices, with a 50/50 split between office and field work. He also shared insights on essential skills, a major system outage experience, continuous upskilling,

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30:20

Shane Silsby's Government Wrap-up

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/30

Shane stops by and updates us on all-things Legislation.

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57:39

Jamie Tuccolo: DPW Director Town of Salisbury, MA

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/29

Jamie is Salisbury's Director of Public Works, who detailed the town's seasonal population fluctuations and the DPW's responsibilities across water, sewer, highway, and beach departments, including summer preparations for increased visitors and maintaining beach area infrastructure. Jamie also shared his career journey in municipal government, essential skills for public works directors, his focus on continuous improvement through technology and team building, and addressed common misconceptions

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47:46

Chris Caro: Sewer Condition Assessment Section...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/20

Chris is the Sewer Condition Assessment Section Manager at WSSC Water and we chat about his role as the sewer condition assessment section manager, the scope and condition of WSSC Water's infrastructure, and challenges such as aging infrastructure and workforce knowledge transfer. Chris shared insights into his career path, management philosophy, and addressed misconceptions about his position, emphasizing the importance of proper wastewater disposal and acknowledging mentors for guidance. The

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51:00

Terrell Hughes: Director Of Public Works @ Henrico...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/20

Terrell is the Public Works Director for Henrico County, who detailed the county's extensive road system and the department's diverse responsibilities. Terrell discussed his typical workday, the award-winning pedestrian safety outreach program, and the early influences and career path that led him to his current role. Key talking points included the importance of communication for a public works director, lessons learned from past experiences, strategies for continuous learning, and addressing

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52:03

Len Wright: Civil Engineer @ Witt O'Briens

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/13

Len is a Civil Engineer at Witt O'Briens based in Colorado. Witt O'Briens is a civil engineering firm specializing in disaster recovery, grants management, and funding; Mr. Wright detailed his expertise developed through academic training, fieldwork responding to various disasters, and collaborations with diverse professionals. He emphasized the importance of adaptability, communication, and mentorship in disaster response, along with the need for knowledge preservation and work-life balance. Give

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35:26

Hamed Majidifard: CTO and Co-Founder of Tiger Eye...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/13

Hamed is the CTO and Co-Founder of Tiger Eye Engineering. In this episdoe we discussed the company's AI-powered road condition assessment services and client-focused approach. Hamed highlighted Tiger Eye's success in providing accurate, cost-effective solutions for smaller municipalities and partnerships with consulting firms, emphasizing the importance of addressing road deterioration early. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Profesionals.For more:

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30:09

Tanya Nash: Director of Engineering @ Asphalt Testing...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/05/13

Tanya Nash is the Director of Engineering at Asphalt Testing Solutions and Engineering. In this episode we discuss her diverse role, career path, and insights into the asphalt industry, including misconceptions, key skills, and future challenges like the "silver tsunami." Tanya emphasized the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and continuous professional development, advocating for a broader recognition of Asphalt Testing Solutions and Engineering's expertise beyond third-party

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53:11

John Masley: Vac-Con John

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/04/09

John Masley and I discussed VAC-CON's new social media strategy, focusing on micro-influencer sales reps creating authentic content to increase brand awareness and educate potential clients within the construction industry. This strategy prioritizes consistent posting across platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, even with minimal equipment, to bridge the knowledge gap and build trust. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.For

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48:32

Kenna Hubai: Business Services Manager @ Charlotte...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Kenna Hubai, Business Services Manager for Charlotte County Public Works, covering her diverse role encompassing administrative functions, cemetery management, community redevelopment, and staff development. Kenna detailed daily responsibilities, coastal challenges, collaborative efforts with Karly and her director, and strategies for improving employee training, communication, and overall workplace culture, including implementing a career pathing program. Give the show a listen and remember to

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27:17

John Crisman: Senior Water Process Engineer @ Moleaer

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/04/09

John Crisman of Moleaer Nanobubble Technology presented on their nanobubble wastewater treatment technology, highlighting its unique approach to improving separation and biological processes compared to traditional aeration methods. The discussion covered the technology's application in addressing common plant issues, attracting and retaining industry talent, and the importance of collaboration with industrial users and within the field itself; Molair offers scalable solutions for plants of all

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46:36

Tom Wachholder: Public Works Director @ Wenatchee, WA

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Tom Wachholder, Public Works Director for Wenatchee, Washington, who discussed his daily routine, prioritizing methods, and the complexities of the $335 million Confluence Parkway project. Key themes included the importance of strong internal and external relationships, proactive risk mitigation, and continuous improvement through leadership coaching and team feedback. Next steps include exploring apprenticeship programs and adjusting prerequisites to address the aging workforce, and developing a

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39:23

Devin Page: Wastewater Maintenance Coordinator @...

Public Works Podcast ·

2025/04/09

Devin Page, Wastewater Maintenance Coordinator at Clackamas County Water and Environment Services, detailed their diverse career path, daily responsibilities (including preventative maintenance and project management), and the crucial skills needed for success in wastewater maintenance, emphasizing problem-solving and hands-on abilities. Paige highlighted the importance of transferable skills, continuous learning (through online resources and industry connections), and dispelling misconceptions

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370 results

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